May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
According to Vanderlinden, belief is that these pistols were shown to an Omani delegation in a variety of finishes in features in order to secure a contract that never materialized. This example is slotted for a stock and has a 500 meter tangent sight, inverted-V front sight, external extractor, ring hammer, and black composite grips. The right side of the slide, just ahead of the ejection port, is roll marked with the seal of Oman; this example has the correct orientation of the scabbard pointing to the left, while others are known to have been rolled pointing right. Accompanying is a walnut Belgian military flatboard stock with attached holster, marked with a boxed "C" on the iron and a "(Crown) / GC" acceptance mark on the board. Blue cardboard box with embossed FN seal on lid, 3 extra magazines (2 extended), cleaning rod. Serial number is written on bottom of box. A letter with FN logo at top entitled "MUSCAT & OMAN" and recounts that Said Bin Taimur placed a very small, very precise order with FN, who did not want to deal with the specifics and quoted an absurd price which the Sultanate paid. However, when the pistols were delivered, Taimur was furious that part of his logo was omitted and tried to return the pistols, which F.N. refused. Under further threats to his life, Taimur negotiated for 27 guns (partial credit was applied from the first contract), with simpler specifications and corrected crests. Taimur was assassinated in July 1970, and his son ordered the pistols returned. The letter is not signed or addressed. CONDITION: Overall excellent, retaining virtually all of the deep blue, almost black, finish, with some extremely minor marks from handling and storage. Magazine release is stuck, preventing extraction of magazine and checking the disconnect, but is otherwise mechanically fine. Bore is excellent with strong rifling and some very light frosting in grooves. Board is excellent, possibly refreshed, with a faint double strike of the crown stamp visible under close inspection. Some verdigris on brass components that does not detract. Box is excellent with some age related distress and a tear on one apron. Some minor staining. A rare gun. EMW
Accessories
Stock/Holster, Box with Accessories